Mary Jane Niklewski

Mary Jane Balwanz Martin Niklewski, 89, of Stafford County went to be with the Lord on Monday, May 4, 2015. Many knew her as “Aunt Jane.” As a registered nurse, her life was dedicated to helping others. She played an active role with the Virginia Association of Workers for the Blind, Northern Virginia Blind Bowling League and the Burkeville Lodge, a vacation spot for the visually impaired and their families. She also volunteered for the American Diabetes Association. She dearly loved her family and looked forward to many family gatherings, especially Thanksgiving. She is survived by her loving husband of over 50 years, Martin Niklewski; sister Helen Sowinski; her Fredericksburg family Debbie (Jay) Sullivan, Wendy (Chad) Elliott, Mary (Alan) Aylor; and many other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ardella Balwanz; her first husband, Warren Martin; her son, Mike Martin; six brothers and one sister; and several nieces and nephews. A service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service, Fredericksburg, with the family receiving friends at 4:30 pm. Interment will be held at 10 a.m. in Mount Comfort Cemetery, Alexandria, VA on Monday, May 11, 2015. Memorials may be made in her name to the Burkeville Lodge, Box 116, Burkeville, VA 23922 or American Diabetes Association or to a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be sent at mullinsthompsonfredericksburg.com.